By Kshalini Nonis

Colombo-based artist/illustrator  Yashara Wickramasurendra will have her second solo exhibition ‘Small Island Vol. 2’ at the Lionel Wendt Gallery on the 31st of October from 3.00 pm to 7.30 pm and on the 1st, 2nd of November from 10.00 am to 7.30 pm.

Being inspired by big and little things that happen in life, she depicts what she is inspired by or something that has happened to her or is around her.  

We had a chat with the artist about her upcoming exhibition. 

Can you tell us about your upcoming exhibition? When and where will it be held?

The exhibition ‘Small Island Vol 2’ will be held at the Lionel Wendt Gallery on the 31st of October from 3.00 pm to 7.30 pm and on the 1st, 2nd of November from 10.00 am to 7.30 pm.

How do you hope to continue through this second solo exhibition of yours, the essence of your island home, which you like to portray?

My style is ever evolving, and I am always trying new things, so I cannot really say what might come of it in the future!

You say that your art serves as a visual diary. Can you explain this?

I am inspired by big and little things that happen in life. Most often, thinking that would make a great picture! Then I challenge myself to get it out of my head and onto paper or canvas. So a lot of what you see is inspired by something that happened to or around me.

How do you invoke a feeling of nostalgia or calmness and thereby make your work relatable at any age, as you say?

I spend a lot of time experimenting with colour, always mixing things to be the best blend to my eye. I think bright colour is something you can grasp at any age. Certain colours will automatically make you think of specific things, like how blue will remind you of water or the sky. I think I use colour in that way.

What are some of the themes you explore through your paintings?

In this series, I have explored landscapes like the tree-covered mountains at Horton Plains, water compositions using varieties of water plants, as well as some of what I refer to as ‘aunties in gardens’.

How do you hope to continue your journey in art?

I think my adventures with art are just starting out, and I really cannot say what is coming next. I cannot say that I have put much thought into what comes after November 3rd because all my attention right now is on getting things wrapped up for the show.